Mother Naturally
and Stay Modern!
You don’t have to be granola to cloth diaper...
Anyone who knows me at all can attest to the fact that I was about the least likely person on the planet to cloth diaper! I mean, I didn’t care how much it cost or hurt the environment- there was no way I was EVER going to wash a piece of cloth with poo on it! Forget it! I firmly maintained that opinion until I found out that my stubborn attitude could actually influence Roman’s immediate and long term health! Here comes mama bear- I will allow NO ONE and NOTHING to harm my child! It wasn’t until I started doing some research on the subject that I even had any idea that disposable diapers were so awful! I had a few friends that cloth diapered and I had thought they were completely crazy until they started telling me why.
Among other things, disposable diapers contain a very dangerous, ultra-absorbent polymer that was banned from tampons in the 1980s due to its direct links to toxic shock syndrome! So, it is banned from use by full grown adult humans but we have our children’s much more susceptible little bodies sitting in it 24 hours a day for the first 2-3 years of their life?? Along with the polymer, sposies contain dioxins (the number one known cancer-causing chemical) and a long list of other highly toxic chemicals as well that lead to such things as disease and hormonal defects! Aside from the long term effects, many babies (many more than we hear about) have a direct allergic reaction to the sposie chemicals causing prolonged and severe diaper rash.
Does something sound terribly wrong with this picture?!? It does to me! Yup- one more thing that is the matter with our society! We are lead to believe through sweet little commercials, ads in parenting magazines and even our doctors, that disposable diapers are the only way to go. We reason that the EPA or FDA or whoever is in charge of these kinds of things would certainly never allow a potentially harmful product to be on the market- right? WRONG! In truth, almost every generic and well accepted baby product on the market poses health risks to your infant, but for the sake of this argument we will focus on the diapers!
Now I know that it is an awful misconception that you have to be a total tie-die wearing, hairy-legged, granola to cloth diaper your baby- but that just isn’t true- I am living proof! The other awful misconception is that cloth diapering is all about pins, plastic pants and toilet dunking- once again, people couldn’t be more wrong! My first order of cloth diapers were all waterproof, in adorable colors, with velcro or snap closures. In that order I also received a little diaper sprayer that hooked directly up to my toilet so that I would never have to dunk anything! Yes, my friend, cloth diapering is nothing like what it used to be! Before you know it you will be addicted too- busy checking out the newest and cutest dipes on the market! Just think of it as one more fun way to accessorize and show off your little one’s individual personality!
Among other things, disposable diapers contain a very dangerous, ultra-absorbent polymer that was banned from tampons in the 1980s due to its direct links to toxic shock syndrome! So, it is banned from use by full grown adult humans but we have our children’s much more susceptible little bodies sitting in it 24 hours a day for the first 2-3 years of their life?? Along with the polymer, sposies contain dioxins (the number one known cancer-causing chemical) and a long list of other highly toxic chemicals as well that lead to such things as disease and hormonal defects! Aside from the long term effects, many babies (many more than we hear about) have a direct allergic reaction to the sposie chemicals causing prolonged and severe diaper rash.
Does something sound terribly wrong with this picture?!? It does to me! Yup- one more thing that is the matter with our society! We are lead to believe through sweet little commercials, ads in parenting magazines and even our doctors, that disposable diapers are the only way to go. We reason that the EPA or FDA or whoever is in charge of these kinds of things would certainly never allow a potentially harmful product to be on the market- right? WRONG! In truth, almost every generic and well accepted baby product on the market poses health risks to your infant, but for the sake of this argument we will focus on the diapers!
Now I know that it is an awful misconception that you have to be a total tie-die wearing, hairy-legged, granola to cloth diaper your baby- but that just isn’t true- I am living proof! The other awful misconception is that cloth diapering is all about pins, plastic pants and toilet dunking- once again, people couldn’t be more wrong! My first order of cloth diapers were all waterproof, in adorable colors, with velcro or snap closures. In that order I also received a little diaper sprayer that hooked directly up to my toilet so that I would never have to dunk anything! Yes, my friend, cloth diapering is nothing like what it used to be! Before you know it you will be addicted too- busy checking out the newest and cutest dipes on the market! Just think of it as one more fun way to accessorize and show off your little one’s individual personality!
How to Wash Cloth Diapers
This is my (almost) no-fail recipe for washing cloth diapers and having them consistently come out stink and stain free.
1. Put all of your dipes through a cold rinse cycle with approx. 1/4 cup baking soda
2. Next run a hot wash/cold rinse cycle with 1-2 Tablespoons of natural detergent, approx. 1/4 cup baking soda and 1/4- 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar where the softener would normally go.
3. You're done! Dry as directed by specific diaper!
Extras:
**Please keep in mind that sometimes you may need to add an extra rinse if you are having particularly sticky days.
**If you are using any unnatural fabrics (such as microfleece) you will occasionally need to strip the diapers to maximize absorbency again. This can be done by adding a couple small quirts of dishwashing detergent to your wash cycle and adding a rinse or two.
**All diapers need to be primed before use, which just means washing them between 5-8 times to maximize absorbency.
** If having staining issues you can occasionally add a little bit of OxyClean to your loads.
**Never use bleach or softeners on your diapers.
What Detergent to Use?
We recommend Country Save- powder or liquid, but any natural detergent that does not contain brighteners, enzymes, dyes, fragrances or softeners should work also. We strongly discourage the use of unnatural brands that are high in chemicals (such as Tide)- remember, your baby wears there clothes right on their skin and chemicals can leach!
To compare your other detergent options please click here:
1. Put all of your dipes through a cold rinse cycle with approx. 1/4 cup baking soda
2. Next run a hot wash/cold rinse cycle with 1-2 Tablespoons of natural detergent, approx. 1/4 cup baking soda and 1/4- 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar where the softener would normally go.
3. You're done! Dry as directed by specific diaper!
Extras:
**Please keep in mind that sometimes you may need to add an extra rinse if you are having particularly sticky days.
**If you are using any unnatural fabrics (such as microfleece) you will occasionally need to strip the diapers to maximize absorbency again. This can be done by adding a couple small quirts of dishwashing detergent to your wash cycle and adding a rinse or two.
**All diapers need to be primed before use, which just means washing them between 5-8 times to maximize absorbency.
** If having staining issues you can occasionally add a little bit of OxyClean to your loads.
**Never use bleach or softeners on your diapers.
What Detergent to Use?
We recommend Country Save- powder or liquid, but any natural detergent that does not contain brighteners, enzymes, dyes, fragrances or softeners should work also. We strongly discourage the use of unnatural brands that are high in chemicals (such as Tide)- remember, your baby wears there clothes right on their skin and chemicals can leach!
To compare your other detergent options please click here:
Modern Cloth Diapering Options
The number of options in cloth diapering today are practically endless! New innovations are coming out all the time, so for now we will cover the basic styles.
Pocket Diapers- This is the style of diaper that I started out with. Basically it has a waterproof outer fabric and a wicking fabric on the inside (a fabric that draws the moisture away from the skin) forming a pocket, which you stuff with an absorbent insert to hold the liquid. They either have snaps or velcro closures and elastic around the legs and back to keep everything contained. This style of cloth diaper (CD) is easy to clean and quick to dry. Although simple, it is one of the most expensive forms of cloth diapering. However, after the initial investment you really will save money in the long run (up to thousands of dollars).
All-in-ones (AIOs)- These are basically the same as pocket diapers however the insert is sewn in so there is no stuffing involved. Although they are a little simpler than pockets they don’t dry as quickly and have a tendency to not get as clean. They are a good choice for an “out and about” dipe.
Fitteds- These are basically like AIOs, however they don’t have waterproof fabric on the outside and so they require some sort of cover. They come in some very yummy and cute fabrics, and are nice because, when paired with the right style cover, are very breathable and help keep the skin on baby’s bum very healthy.
Prefolds- These are the throw back to what our mothers and grandmothers used, but they are by far the cheapest (second only to flats) type of cloth diapering. There are three ways they can be used- folded and laid inside a cover, folded and pinned under a cover, or folded and “snappied” (a “t”shaped plastic doohicky with little teeth on each end that secure the diaper) under a cover. I was very against these at first but ended up buying a stash when I was desperate to do less laundry. They took some getting used to and definitely a lot of practice, but now they work great and are almost all we use at home! They are also a wonderful choice to use on newborns as you can size then to your baby's particular size.
Prefold Fitteds- These are just prefolds that have been converted into fitteds. Easier since they have snaps or velcro but not as absorbent.
Contours- These are just what they sound like- prefolds that are contoured.
Flats- These are the most old fashioned you can get- a big square piece of cloth that you fold to make a diaper out of. However, they are very cheap, trim, quick drying and can be folded to fit give your child a very custom fit! There are hemp versions that are very absorbent but most moms just use flour sack towels or flannel receiving blankets. **I recently was going on a trip where I wouldn't have access to a washing machine for a few days and didn't have enough dipes, so I went and bought a bunch of receiving blankets (they can be snappied where as flour sack towels cannot). I was nervous to use them but ended up LOVING them! So cute and trim, and really once you fold all of them when you take them out of the wash they were very easy!
There are also different types of covers:
Soakers- This is a pull-on style cover that is shaped like the diaper and usually made of fleece or wool.
Shorties/Longies- These covers look like shorts (shorties) or pants (longies) and are typically made of wool or fleece. There are super cute knit ones (I can teach you if you want to learn!)!
Wrap Covers- This style functions basically as a diaper over a diaper- they secure with velcro or snaps and there are even some one-size adjustable versions.
There are also many types of fabrics used in cloth diapering:
PUL (polyurnithane laminate)- This is the waterproof fabric that most pockets, AIOs and wrap covers are made out of. It is a basic woven fabric (some even have designs although they are less leak proof) that is laminated with a layer of polyurithane on the back to prevent moisture from escaping. It comes in a large variety of covers and is generally a good choice for when you are going to be out of the house. The largest downfall is that is does not allow the skin to breathe.
Wool- Most soakers, shorties and longies are made out of wool. Now it may sound a little crazy because you can’t just through it in the wash, but wool is naturally antimicrobial and has properties that allow it to be stink free for a week or more before washing (pee that is, not poo). It is a really nice choice also because it allows your baby’s bum to breathe and is especially helpful if your little one is prone to diaper rash. Because of its breathability it is not too hot, even in summer, and is a wonderful choice for covering night dipes.
Microfleece- This is a thin version of fleece that is one sided. It is a popular choice for the inside fabric of pockets, AIOs and even some fitteds because of its ability to wick moisture away from the skin. Microfleece is also popular for use in doublers and liners.
Sherpa- A terry fabric that is made of both cotton and polyester.
Microterry- This is the kind of material that wash clothes you use to dry your car are made of and is very absorbent. Most inserts and doublers are made from microterry. Best of all, if you are in need of a cheap insert or doubler you can use miroterry towels from Walmart (in the auto section) and just trifold them.
Hemp- One of the most absorbent fabrics that also has antimicrobial properties. It is mostly used in fitted dipes and inserts.
Velour- This is a high end fabric that is used as lining, fitteds and some inserts- it is very soft and loved by most people that use it, however it is on the pricier side.
Bamboo- This is another type of natural fabric used as an alternative to hemp, cotton or velour. It is also very soft and expensive.
Organics- Many moms like to go the organic route because they don’t want to have any chemicals touching their babies skin. Organics come in cotton, hemp, bamboo and velour.
And Finally, there are lots of cloth diapering accessories:
Snappis- These are stretchy plastic doohickies that are shaped like a “T” with little teeth on each end and are used to secure a dipe (ones without snaps or velcro, such as prefolds or flats) instead of pins. They do take some practice, but once you are used to them they work like a charm! Beware however, there are certain fabrics that the teeth don't grab into very well.
Pins- Dritz are the best and many moms love to use them. I haven’t gone there yet because Roman is to squirmy and I love my Snappis. If you do decide to use them they will slide into the diaper more easily if you store them stuck into a bar of soap.
Diaper Sprayers- A life saver! You won’t really need one for those early breastfed poos, but after that it makes cleaning out dipes a breeze! They hook right up to your toilet and have a hanging wall mount. No toilet dunking for us!!
Wet Bags- This is a waterproof bag, typically made of PUL, that you store dirty dipes in when you are out and about. They come in a large selection of outer fabrics and are a lot nicer to use than plastic bags! You can also find ones that are large enough to line your diaper pale.
Cloth Wipes- My honest favorite are just baby wash clothes but many moms invest in special wipes made of fabrics such as flannel, terry, velour or bamboo. They work way better than any disposable wipe you will find and you can make all sorts of wipe solutions that smell yummy and are ultra gentle on baby’s skin!
Pocket Diapers- This is the style of diaper that I started out with. Basically it has a waterproof outer fabric and a wicking fabric on the inside (a fabric that draws the moisture away from the skin) forming a pocket, which you stuff with an absorbent insert to hold the liquid. They either have snaps or velcro closures and elastic around the legs and back to keep everything contained. This style of cloth diaper (CD) is easy to clean and quick to dry. Although simple, it is one of the most expensive forms of cloth diapering. However, after the initial investment you really will save money in the long run (up to thousands of dollars).
All-in-ones (AIOs)- These are basically the same as pocket diapers however the insert is sewn in so there is no stuffing involved. Although they are a little simpler than pockets they don’t dry as quickly and have a tendency to not get as clean. They are a good choice for an “out and about” dipe.
Fitteds- These are basically like AIOs, however they don’t have waterproof fabric on the outside and so they require some sort of cover. They come in some very yummy and cute fabrics, and are nice because, when paired with the right style cover, are very breathable and help keep the skin on baby’s bum very healthy.
Prefolds- These are the throw back to what our mothers and grandmothers used, but they are by far the cheapest (second only to flats) type of cloth diapering. There are three ways they can be used- folded and laid inside a cover, folded and pinned under a cover, or folded and “snappied” (a “t”shaped plastic doohicky with little teeth on each end that secure the diaper) under a cover. I was very against these at first but ended up buying a stash when I was desperate to do less laundry. They took some getting used to and definitely a lot of practice, but now they work great and are almost all we use at home! They are also a wonderful choice to use on newborns as you can size then to your baby's particular size.
Prefold Fitteds- These are just prefolds that have been converted into fitteds. Easier since they have snaps or velcro but not as absorbent.
Contours- These are just what they sound like- prefolds that are contoured.
Flats- These are the most old fashioned you can get- a big square piece of cloth that you fold to make a diaper out of. However, they are very cheap, trim, quick drying and can be folded to fit give your child a very custom fit! There are hemp versions that are very absorbent but most moms just use flour sack towels or flannel receiving blankets. **I recently was going on a trip where I wouldn't have access to a washing machine for a few days and didn't have enough dipes, so I went and bought a bunch of receiving blankets (they can be snappied where as flour sack towels cannot). I was nervous to use them but ended up LOVING them! So cute and trim, and really once you fold all of them when you take them out of the wash they were very easy!
There are also different types of covers:
Soakers- This is a pull-on style cover that is shaped like the diaper and usually made of fleece or wool.
Shorties/Longies- These covers look like shorts (shorties) or pants (longies) and are typically made of wool or fleece. There are super cute knit ones (I can teach you if you want to learn!)!
Wrap Covers- This style functions basically as a diaper over a diaper- they secure with velcro or snaps and there are even some one-size adjustable versions.
There are also many types of fabrics used in cloth diapering:
PUL (polyurnithane laminate)- This is the waterproof fabric that most pockets, AIOs and wrap covers are made out of. It is a basic woven fabric (some even have designs although they are less leak proof) that is laminated with a layer of polyurithane on the back to prevent moisture from escaping. It comes in a large variety of covers and is generally a good choice for when you are going to be out of the house. The largest downfall is that is does not allow the skin to breathe.
Wool- Most soakers, shorties and longies are made out of wool. Now it may sound a little crazy because you can’t just through it in the wash, but wool is naturally antimicrobial and has properties that allow it to be stink free for a week or more before washing (pee that is, not poo). It is a really nice choice also because it allows your baby’s bum to breathe and is especially helpful if your little one is prone to diaper rash. Because of its breathability it is not too hot, even in summer, and is a wonderful choice for covering night dipes.
Microfleece- This is a thin version of fleece that is one sided. It is a popular choice for the inside fabric of pockets, AIOs and even some fitteds because of its ability to wick moisture away from the skin. Microfleece is also popular for use in doublers and liners.
Sherpa- A terry fabric that is made of both cotton and polyester.
Microterry- This is the kind of material that wash clothes you use to dry your car are made of and is very absorbent. Most inserts and doublers are made from microterry. Best of all, if you are in need of a cheap insert or doubler you can use miroterry towels from Walmart (in the auto section) and just trifold them.
Hemp- One of the most absorbent fabrics that also has antimicrobial properties. It is mostly used in fitted dipes and inserts.
Velour- This is a high end fabric that is used as lining, fitteds and some inserts- it is very soft and loved by most people that use it, however it is on the pricier side.
Bamboo- This is another type of natural fabric used as an alternative to hemp, cotton or velour. It is also very soft and expensive.
Organics- Many moms like to go the organic route because they don’t want to have any chemicals touching their babies skin. Organics come in cotton, hemp, bamboo and velour.
And Finally, there are lots of cloth diapering accessories:
Snappis- These are stretchy plastic doohickies that are shaped like a “T” with little teeth on each end and are used to secure a dipe (ones without snaps or velcro, such as prefolds or flats) instead of pins. They do take some practice, but once you are used to them they work like a charm! Beware however, there are certain fabrics that the teeth don't grab into very well.
Pins- Dritz are the best and many moms love to use them. I haven’t gone there yet because Roman is to squirmy and I love my Snappis. If you do decide to use them they will slide into the diaper more easily if you store them stuck into a bar of soap.
Diaper Sprayers- A life saver! You won’t really need one for those early breastfed poos, but after that it makes cleaning out dipes a breeze! They hook right up to your toilet and have a hanging wall mount. No toilet dunking for us!!
Wet Bags- This is a waterproof bag, typically made of PUL, that you store dirty dipes in when you are out and about. They come in a large selection of outer fabrics and are a lot nicer to use than plastic bags! You can also find ones that are large enough to line your diaper pale.
Cloth Wipes- My honest favorite are just baby wash clothes but many moms invest in special wipes made of fabrics such as flannel, terry, velour or bamboo. They work way better than any disposable wipe you will find and you can make all sorts of wipe solutions that smell yummy and are ultra gentle on baby’s skin!
What you will need to get started
What we recommend for a newborn stash:
25-30 diapers- in order to do laundry every other day (you can divide up between a variety of kinds to meet different needs and maximize you money- for instance, prefolds and/or fitteds for at home and pockets and/or AIOs for out and about.).
30-40 wipes
A diaper pale with liner (I use extra large ziplocks as liners- you can reuse them for a quite a while)
Some kind of wetbag (I started out with large ziplocks until I could afford one)
A small bottle to hold wipe solution
A natural detergent (Country Save is my favorite)
Vinegar
Baking Soda
Diaper Sprayer (this is optional- you really won’t need it until you start solids or if you use formula)
2-4 Snappis (if you are using prefolds or flats)
4-6 covers (if you are using prefolds, flats or fitteds- they are sometimes nice to even put over pockets if you are using them at night!)
For an older baby we recommend at between 15-20 diapers at least.
25-30 diapers- in order to do laundry every other day (you can divide up between a variety of kinds to meet different needs and maximize you money- for instance, prefolds and/or fitteds for at home and pockets and/or AIOs for out and about.).
30-40 wipes
A diaper pale with liner (I use extra large ziplocks as liners- you can reuse them for a quite a while)
Some kind of wetbag (I started out with large ziplocks until I could afford one)
A small bottle to hold wipe solution
A natural detergent (Country Save is my favorite)
Vinegar
Baking Soda
Diaper Sprayer (this is optional- you really won’t need it until you start solids or if you use formula)
2-4 Snappis (if you are using prefolds or flats)
4-6 covers (if you are using prefolds, flats or fitteds- they are sometimes nice to even put over pockets if you are using them at night!)
For an older baby we recommend at between 15-20 diapers at least.
The Cloth Wipe Choice
Well, as long as you are using cloth diapers you may as well use cloth wipes too! The fact is that homemade wipe solutions are much gentler on your baby’s delicate skin, a great deal cheaper than buying wipes, easy to make, fun to experiment with, and smell just plain yummy! There are a variety of ways to use your homemade solution, including: pre-moistening cloth wipes (which can be found on most cloth diapering websites, or you can make your own from microfleece, flannel, or baby wash clothes) or baby wash clothes and placing them in a wipes warmer, commercial wipes container, or plastic bag (there are also wet bags you can buy designed for this purpose) for travel; or using a spray bottle and lightly misting baby’s bum and then wiping off (also a great travel method). If you don’t want to use cloth wipes but still want to make your own solution, you can use heavy duty paper towels cut in half or facial tissues with either of the above two methods.
Depending on the age of your child and the yield of the recipe you use, you will probably be making solution 1-3 times a week. Any solution that is not in use in a spray bottle or on the wipes should be kept in a closed container in the fridge to maintain freshness for up to two weeks. You should also always use distilled or boiled water in your recipes, along with the most natural ingredients you can find. A basic wipe solution consists of an oil, a cleanser and water. However, I have been known to just use a wet wash cloth or a simple water/castile soap solution on many occasions. Most products to make your solutions can be found at any natural food store or a variety of online retailers. Happy Wiping!
Depending on the age of your child and the yield of the recipe you use, you will probably be making solution 1-3 times a week. Any solution that is not in use in a spray bottle or on the wipes should be kept in a closed container in the fridge to maintain freshness for up to two weeks. You should also always use distilled or boiled water in your recipes, along with the most natural ingredients you can find. A basic wipe solution consists of an oil, a cleanser and water. However, I have been known to just use a wet wash cloth or a simple water/castile soap solution on many occasions. Most products to make your solutions can be found at any natural food store or a variety of online retailers. Happy Wiping!
My Favorite Recipe:
1 tablespoon almond, apricot, or other oil
1 tablespoon Dr Bronner’s Liquid Castile Soap
2 drops tea tree oil
1 drop lavender oil
1 cup distilled water
1 tablespoon almond, apricot, or other oil
1 tablespoon Dr Bronner’s Liquid Castile Soap
2 drops tea tree oil
1 drop lavender oil
1 cup distilled water